Not enough diversity?

This report says that there are not enough women and minorities in the leadership roles in the U.S. military. According to the article, the reason for the lack of females is due mostly in part to the rules barring them from combat. My opinion is that the choice should be theirs. If they want to participate in combat, let them. Thereby, giving those who choose it more options to fill leadership roles. As for minorities, I don't know why there aren't more. My opinion in a nutshell is this; I don't care the race or gender of those in leadership roles as long as they were all judged according to their abilities and by the same standards regardless of gender or race or any other ridiculous qualification. I want the most qualified individual in the position no matter what. Our national security is too important to place someone in there to only fill a quota.

The real issue isn't about whether women should be in combat...they already are.

What matters is whether the woman can carry 100+ pounds of food, ammo, water, and comm equipment plus her weapon (5-30 pounds) up and down mountains for 12-15 hours per day. Most infantry Soldiers on patrol in Afghanistan cover 5-15 per day with anywhere from 2000-10,000 feet of climbing.

I'm sure that there are a few women capable of doing this, but the very small number isn't worth the logistics needs that gender integrated units have. BTW, the physical demands of the Infantry are such that most men can't hack it either.

My name is Leah Cauthron. I was born and raised on a farm near Cushing, Iowa. My parents still live there. I am a conservative Catholic. I have been married to Randy for 22 years and we have six children. I received my degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Wyoming College and as a mother of six and a daycare mom, I have used probable cause, reasonable doubt, search and seizure, Miranda rights, submission, arrest and interrogation technique as a part of my daily life. I can also shoot a .357 magnum with deadly accuracy. I have lots of opinions on lots of things. I am not an expert on anything but I read a lot and will gladly share that information if I find it accurate. I have a sarcastic nature and for the most part I have pretty thick skin and most things don't bother me for long. I don't like mudslinging or name calling so keep negativity of the personal nature to yourself. Enjoy and welcome to my opinion.